Overview
This lecture covers the events leading up to King Duncan's murder in Macbeth, focusing on Banquo and Macbeth's interactions, Macbeth’s internal struggle, and the symbolism of the dagger.
Banquo and Macbeth's Conversation
- Banquo discusses the brightness of the moon and his inability to sleep.
- Banquo presents Macbeth with a diamond from King Duncan, thanking Lady Macbeth for her hospitality.
- Banquo shares he has been dreaming of the witches and their prophecies.
- Macbeth claims not to think of the witches and deflects the conversation.
- Macbeth hints at a beneficial proposition for Banquo, who agrees as long as it does not violate his conscience.
Macbeth’s Internal Conflict
- Once alone, Macbeth experiences a vision of a floating dagger pointing toward Duncan.
- Macbeth tries to grasp the dagger but realizes it is a hallucination.
- Macbeth debates with himself, expressing anxiety and a fading motivation to commit the murder.
- He acknowledges the longer he waits, the less courage he has to proceed with the act.
The Signal and Decision
- Lady Macbeth signals Macbeth with a bell that everything is prepared for Duncan’s murder.
- Macbeth accepts the signal as a cue to commit the act, resigning himself to fate.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hallucination — Seeing something that is not physically present, such as Macbeth’s vision of the dagger.
- Prophecy — A forecast of future events, like those given by the witches.
- Knell — The sound of a bell rung solemnly, often to announce death.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Macbeth’s soliloquy about the dagger for language and symbolism.
- Read the next scene to see the aftermath of Duncan’s murder.